Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Billings, MT (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Billings

Montana
86

St. Louis is 23% cheaper than Billings.

$978/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 12%
$55,279/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 30%
$185,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 68%
$1,013/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 16%
293,109
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $16,576/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Billings — common questions

Is St. Louis or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Billings?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Billings?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $16,576/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Montana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Billings

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